Idol Gives Back, the historic Emmy® Award-winning television event and music celebration airing tonight between 7:30-10:00 PM ET/PT on the FOX and CTV networks, will raise awareness and funds to benefit six charities including the Children’s Defense Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save The Children, U.S. Programs and the Children’s Health Fund.

This year’s event will be bigger and more ambitious than ever. Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia and Amy Adams join previously announced international talent and sports figures Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart and Gloria Estefan.

Miley Cyrus and Billy Crystal. Photo: FOX

The grand finale

Bloggers and TV writers are buzzing about the grand finale performance of tonight’s event, which predicts to be one of the most watched television programs of the year. According to those in the audience, the show’s grand finale, which was taped on Sunday at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre, has the eight American Idol finalists performing “Shout to the Lord”, the contemporary classic hymn written by Hillsong’s Darlene Zschech.

For more information on Idol Gives Back, visit AmericanIdol.com/idolgivesback.